Top Order Solid, Death Bowling a Concern – SWOT Analysis Of India Squad For T20 World Cup 2024

The Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 in the Caribbean Islands and USA has been announced on April 30, and with the mega event approaching, let’s analyze their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT).

India Squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya (VC), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

Travelling reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan.

Strengths

• Explosive Top Order: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav bring a firepower and stability at the top. This trio is not only high-scoring, but also adaptable. They can adjust their approach based on the situation, whether it’s accelerating the score or building a solid foundation. This adaptability will be crucial against different bowling attacks throughout the tournament.
• Variety in Bowling Attack: The presence of Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj provides a variety of bowling options to unsettle batters.

Weaknesses

• Lack of Death Overs: The squad has three main pacers – Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh. Selecting two leaves a gap in either opening attack (Bumrah-Siraj) or death overs (Bumrah-Arshdeep). Playing all three might require sacrificing a spinner or using Pandya with the new ball, which will ultimately affect the overall balance of the team.

• Lack of Established Power Hitter: While Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja can hit big, they might not be consistent from ball one. Shivam Dube has the potential, but his international experience is limited. Incase, Yashasvi Jaiswal finds a place in the playing 11, then Shivam Dube might not even find a place in the team.

Opportunities

• Exploiting Spin on Caribbean Pitches: Traditionally, Caribbean pitches tend to favor spinners. This could be an opportunity for experienced spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and Yuzvendra Chahal to shine.

Threats

• History Haunts: The biggest threat for Team India heading into the T20 World Cup 2024 is the weight of past disappointments, having reached numerous knockouts and finals over the past decade but falling short at the final hurdle.

• Injuries: The T20 World Cup takes place in the middle of a busy cricket season. Players carrying niggles or injuries could be more susceptible to breakdowns during the high-pressure tournament. Ensuring player fitness and having backups in top form will be crucial.